Tonsilloliths, also called tonsil stones, are calcified clusters that form in crevices of tonsils. Often they occur in palatine tonsils, but may be present in lingual tonsils. These clusters are primarily made from calcium, but can include minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus, in addition to carbonate and ammonia.
The tonsils are in the throat, located in the back on each side within a pocket. These units are made from tissue containing lymphocytes, which has cells that are used to prevent and fight infection. Tonsils are known to benefit the immune system by serving as a net that keeps harmful materials out of the body and throat.
This medical condition may be present without symptoms, but typically it involves bad breath and painful swallowing. It is an issue that commonly afflicts adults rather than children. If the stones are small, they are usually without major symptoms. In cases where they are quite large, there still may be no symptoms and the condition can only be diagnosed through X-rays or CAT scans. Patients who have suffered with this problem have reported coughing fits, a metallic taste in the mouth, tightening or closing of the throat and choking.
In serious cases, numerous symptoms can occur. Recurring halitosis is a common symptom that is usually present with tonsil infection, difficulty swallowing, swelling of tonsils, white debris, sore throat, bad taste and ear ache. The cause for tonsilloliths is not known.
The stones are deposits that have calcified in crypts of tonsils. These may develop on the roof of the mouth or the throat. There are several crevices in this region that serve as breeding ground for dead cells, mucus, bacteria and other harmful materials. This debris collects and then develops into white formations. Tonsilloliths occurs when the material that is trapped calcifies. Individuals who suffer from chronic tonsillitis or tonsil inflammation are more susceptible to developing this condition.
Typically, treatment is not necessary because few cases actually produce symptoms. There are four types of treatment that may be done in more serious cases. These include: laser, curettage, irrigation and surgery. Laser resurfacing is done to decrease the surface area of tonsils. This procedure is known as laser cryptolysis and often involves local anesthetic. Curettage, the removal of tissue by scooping or scraping tissue with a curette, may be needed in cases with large stones.
Irrigation is a simple but useful procedure that involves application of an oral irrigator to remove stones and clean the crypts of tonsils. However, these irrigators are not considered suitable for some stone removal because they have extreme power that could create discomfort for the patient and rupture the tonsils, resulting in more problems and complications. Surgery is another option typically used as a last resort. This procedure is known as tonsillectomy and involves removal of one or both of the tonsillar fossa.
Tonsil stones, also called tonsilloliths, is a medical problem that occurs on tonsils. It develops when harmful elements, such as bacteria, get trapped in various nooks and crannies of tonsils and calcify. In some situations, the condition will disappear without the administering of treatment, but treatment options are available.
The tonsils are in the throat, located in the back on each side within a pocket. These units are made from tissue containing lymphocytes, which has cells that are used to prevent and fight infection. Tonsils are known to benefit the immune system by serving as a net that keeps harmful materials out of the body and throat.
This medical condition may be present without symptoms, but typically it involves bad breath and painful swallowing. It is an issue that commonly afflicts adults rather than children. If the stones are small, they are usually without major symptoms. In cases where they are quite large, there still may be no symptoms and the condition can only be diagnosed through X-rays or CAT scans. Patients who have suffered with this problem have reported coughing fits, a metallic taste in the mouth, tightening or closing of the throat and choking.
In serious cases, numerous symptoms can occur. Recurring halitosis is a common symptom that is usually present with tonsil infection, difficulty swallowing, swelling of tonsils, white debris, sore throat, bad taste and ear ache. The cause for tonsilloliths is not known.
The stones are deposits that have calcified in crypts of tonsils. These may develop on the roof of the mouth or the throat. There are several crevices in this region that serve as breeding ground for dead cells, mucus, bacteria and other harmful materials. This debris collects and then develops into white formations. Tonsilloliths occurs when the material that is trapped calcifies. Individuals who suffer from chronic tonsillitis or tonsil inflammation are more susceptible to developing this condition.
Typically, treatment is not necessary because few cases actually produce symptoms. There are four types of treatment that may be done in more serious cases. These include: laser, curettage, irrigation and surgery. Laser resurfacing is done to decrease the surface area of tonsils. This procedure is known as laser cryptolysis and often involves local anesthetic. Curettage, the removal of tissue by scooping or scraping tissue with a curette, may be needed in cases with large stones.
Irrigation is a simple but useful procedure that involves application of an oral irrigator to remove stones and clean the crypts of tonsils. However, these irrigators are not considered suitable for some stone removal because they have extreme power that could create discomfort for the patient and rupture the tonsils, resulting in more problems and complications. Surgery is another option typically used as a last resort. This procedure is known as tonsillectomy and involves removal of one or both of the tonsillar fossa.
Tonsil stones, also called tonsilloliths, is a medical problem that occurs on tonsils. It develops when harmful elements, such as bacteria, get trapped in various nooks and crannies of tonsils and calcify. In some situations, the condition will disappear without the administering of treatment, but treatment options are available.
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